Suspended Cooke says he's altered his physical game

Penguins/NHL Videos

Addressing the media for the first time since the NHL suspended him for four games, Cooke acknowledged Thursday he has met with Penguins coach Dan Bylsma three times this season about not shying away from his physical approach.

Yet Cooke admitted he has, to a degree.

"I've altered my game," Cooke said, a reference to eliminating hits like the one that sidelined Boston center Marc Savard for two months last season. "I've had a meeting with the coach for not hitting a guy coming through the middle. There's a really high risk of being suspended, and I've not hit that guy."

Cooke said he has received support from Penguins ownership and his teammates, but at least one teammate didn't have a problem with the NHL's punishment.

Cooke did not reveal much about Wednesday's disciplinary hearing, nor did he indicate whether he felt the punishment was fair.

"It's not up to me," he said.

Cooke's suspension comes without pay, costing him $87,804.88. That approaches Steelers linebacker James Harrison territory. The NFL fined Harrison four times for $125,000 this past season for hitting a defenseless player. The league later reduced a fine by $25,000.

This is the third time Cooke has been suspended in his career. He is eligible to return Feb. 20 in Chicago.

Tyutin was not injured on the play.

"I'm glad no one was hurt," Cooke said. "It wasn't my intention to put him into the boards violently. I'm glad he isn't hurt."

Cooke spoke quietly, but if he is involved in another controversial play, the backlash from the league figures to be loud. The NHL cited Cooke' previous run-ins as a factor for issuing a four-game suspension.

When asked again about the Tyutin hit and possible future punishment, Cooke simply said, "That's the league's decision," before the interview ended moments later.

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